Liquidproof container



J. P. STEIN -LIQUID-PROOF CONTAINER Sept. 2; 1947.

Filed Sept. s, 1945 4 Sheets- Sheet 1 Way I J. P. STEIN LIQUID-PROOFCONTAINER Filed Sept. :5, 1943 Sept. 2, 1947. Q

- Jog- 211),- m W J. P. STEIN LIQUID-PROOF CONTAINER Sept. 2, 1947..

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 5, 1943 a v 0 4 a IHWMJI fi J. P. STEIN2,426,797 LIQUID-PROOF CONTAINER Filed Sept. :5, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 4Jig/3 291500 Patented Sept. 2, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICELIQUIDPRSZZ ZZNTAINER Application September 3, 1943;

1 Claim.- 1-

The invention relates to liquid-proof containers which are light inweight, relatively cheap to manufacture and which do not involve the useof critical materials, such as metals and the like, which are at presentdifiicult or impossible to obtain owing to war. conditions. Moreparticularly the invention relates to acontainer adapted to holdgasoline; oil orgrease'intended-forairplane use, which container iscomposed principally of paper, and having end portions which may beformed of wood or the like. The container is suificiently cheap so thatwhen it has served its purpose it may be dropped'from the plane ifdesired.

The invention will be more readil understood by reference to theaccompanying drawings and the following detailed'description, in whichare set forth by way of illustration certain specific embodiments of theinventive thought.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is aside elevation on a reduced scale of a containerembodying-myv invention intended for use as a fueltank for airplanes;

Fig. 2 is anexploded vieW- of the same showing the parts prior toassembly;

Fig. 3' is a longitudinal section on a larger scale,

a portionof the cylindrical body member being broken away;

Fig. 4 is an endview of the central-cylindrical section of the shell;

Fig. 5 is a detail view of a flexible connecting ringv for connectingthe cylindricalshell-to' an adjacent section;

Fig- 6 is .an enlarged section of a portion of the tank including thefiller cap and showing theconnection between the tapered front sectionand the central cylindrical section of the shell;

Figs. 7'; l8, 9, 10 and 11 are detail views of' the filler cap;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal section showing the nose cap.member, the insert plug and a portion of the. end of the front taperedpaper shell}.

Fig. 13 is an inner faceview of the nose cap;

Fig; 14 is a detail'view of the ring connecting the nose cap member andinsert plug;

Fig. 15 is a detail view of theringconnecting the nose cap andthetapered front end portion of the shell;

Fig. 161s an enlarged longitudinal-section similarto Fig. 12,.butshowing the corresponding portions of theetail cap member, insert plugand tapered rear portion of the shell;

Fig. .l'l'is a side elevation of a modification wherein the invention isshown-applied to a grease tank or drum;

Serial No.501g1'5'7 a vertical :section of the same on a portions of theshell being broken Fig. 18 is larger scale, awayga'nd Fig; 19-is'aninnerface view of the tank or drum;

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, A denotes generally a-gasolinetank whichis adapted for" use with airplanes. The tankmay be employedfor carrying-supplemental fuel and may be attached beneath the wings ofthe plane by suitable c-lips; suchas'b'omb shackle hangers. The tankislight in'weight, relatively cheap 'to manufacture, and maybe droppedwhen empty. The container is preferably streamlined in configuration;the-ends being suitably curved while the center portion is-substantiallycylindrical. The completed-containers may be provided with variousconventional fittings,- such as bomb shackle han ers, fuel lineclip-fittings, vents, sumps, tubes and Water drains. When attached-t0the plan the tank. is preferably suspended at an angle of approximately12 to the central axis of the fuselage, the front-portion being raisedand the rear being dewnwardlyinclined so thatan'y water which may tendto separate out will be'collectedat the rear end of the tank and' ma-ybedrained out in any suitable manner.-

As'shown the container-comprises'a main tankportion or shelllDycylindrical in construction and composed of paper laminationsadhesively secured together and-the whole being impregnated with asuitable liquid-proofing material such, for example, as celluloseacetate.

The front portion 1 l l and the rear portion l2 are'streamlined,-'thefront or nose'portion I I being somewhat shorter than the rear ortailportion l2. The front streamlined portion 1 l 'is provided with anend cap l3 which may be formed of wood or 1ik'e= material,- while therear member I2 is providedw-itha similar end cap I41 As shown a gaso-'linefiller cap I5 is "included within the front section II. p

The central shll' lfl'is preferably cylindrical in form and'is composedof a plurality of laminatop of the tions of paper glued together bysuitable adhesive and rendered liquid-proof-by dipping or other- Wiseimpregnating with suitable liquid-proofing material, such as celluloseesters, particularly cellulose acetate. When the impregnating materialhas dried the shell assumes a substantially rigid construction and maybe worked with the usual wood-working tools for the production ofsuitable grooves at the ends thereof, which grooves-with the aid' ofconnectingrings, are emwhen the 3 ployed for securing togethersuccessive sections of the container.

While the invention is not limited to the particular dimensions of thecontainer in question, the following dimensions are found suitable inconnection with tanks adapted for use with airplanes of a certain type.In such construction the shell I may be 3 feet, 3% inches long, 21inches in diameter, and the shell wall from T e to of an inch thick. Theshell may be composed of any suitable number of plies, preferably fromten to sixteen, the laminations being suitably secured together withadhesive and the whole impregnated with liquid-proofing material, suchas cellulose acetate. When dry th shell is rigid, strong and durable.

The streamlined end members II and I2 may be similarly formed oflaminated paper except for the cap portions I3 and I4, which arepreferably of wood or the like. These end members II and I2, includingth caps, may be of any suitable dimensions but when used with a shell ofthe dimensions described above the nose member II may be 1 foot, 7%inches in length, while the .rear or tail member I2 may be 2 feet, 11inches in length. In diameter the members II and I2 decrease graduallyfrom twenty-one inches at their juncture with the shell I0 to fourinches at their juncture with the caps I3 and I 4.

The end caps I3 and I4 may be formed of wood and, as shown, are suitablycurved both externally and internally; Preferably the end caps areformed of two parts suitably joined together by connecting rings, asillustrated in Figs. 12 and 16, one part comprising an internalreinforcing plug or insert and the other Dart comprising an end capmember secured thereto. The plug portions are preferably internallyrounded as at I6, I6 to prevent splashing of the liquid containers areused as fuel tanks for airplanes.

The preferred connections between successive sections of the tank willnow be described, Each of the members I0, II and I2 is circularlygrooved at its ends, and similarly the cap members I3 and I4 areprovided with circular grooves. The connection between the centralsection I0 and the front section II is shown in detail in Fig. 6. Asimilar. connection is formed between the center section I0 and the rearsection I2 so that a description of one will apply to both. As shown thesection II is provided with a circular end groove I! which may .beformed therein by turning with a wood-working tool. A similar groove I8is formed in the end of the member III. A flexible ring I9 having splitends is then inserted in one or the other of the grooves. The ringissimilar to a piston ring and may be formed of any suitable material,suchas metal or plastic. By reason of its split ends and its flexibilitythe ring will conform exactly to the groove in-which it is inserted. Thering is preferably made slightly larger than the groove so that aforcing action is required, which slightly separates the flanges or lips:of material forming the side walls of the groove. When so inserted atight fit is insured by reason'of the fact that all air has been drivenout of the groove and the material on each side of the groove tightlygrips the sides of the piston ring. After the rin has been inserted inone of the grooves the adjacent sections I0 and II are fitted together,so that one-half of the ring will fit into the groove inthe companionshell member. While the application of pressure alone approximately withan end groove 20 4 is sufficient to provide a substantially fluid-tightjoint, nevertheless it is preferred to employ a suitable adhesive which,when dry, forms a rigid connection between the ends of successivesections and the connecting ring.

Similar connecting rings may be employed for connecting end caps I3 andI4 to the tapered paper shell sections H and I2. In Fig. 12 theconnection .between the front taperedshell section I! and the nose capI3 is illustrated in detail. As shown the shell section II is providedand the end cap L3 is provided with an end groove 2 I. A suitableconnecting ring 22 fits in the complementary grooves 20 and 2 I,.=beingpreferably secured in place by suitable adhesive. 7

In Fig. 16 a similar connection between the tapered rear section I2 andthe tail cap I4 is illustrated, with corresponding grooves 20 2| andconnecting ring 22' similar to the grooves 20, 2I and ring 22 previouslydescribed in connection with Fig. 12.

As previously indicated, and as clearly shown in Figs. 12 and 16, theend caps I3 and'l4 are of two parts, an external end capmember or capproper and a separate insertor plug fitting within the end of theadjacent tapered shell'portion so as to provide suitable reinforcementtherefor and also to conform with the streamlined effect of the tank.

The construction will be described first with reference to the noseportion as indicated in Fig. 12, it being understood that a similarconstruction is employed at the tail end as illustrated in Fig. 16. Asshown the cap I3 includesa nose portion or end cap member proper I 00andan insert member or plug I0! having a curved flange I02 fitting withinthe end of the tapered shell portion II and serving to reinforce thesame. The plug or insert IOI is also provided with a forwardly extendingportion I03 having an end groove I04. The nose portion or end cap memberI00 is also provided with a corresponding groove I05, the grooves I04and I05 being adapted to receive between them a flexible connecting ringI06 similar to the connecting rings previously described, The insertmember I 0| includes the curved interior I6 which is adapted to preventsplashing, as previously described.

The tail portion of the shell is similarly formed,

After the various sections have been assembled, I

andbefore the adhesive has fully set, a considerable degree of pressuremaybe applied to the ends, thus insuring a tight joint. It has beenfound that even where no adhesive is employed it is practicallyimpossible to separate the sections after pressure has been applied.Where an adhesive is employed the tank becomes substantially homogeneouafter the adhesive has set, so that the tank is in effect of one-piececonstruction. Preferably a suitable lacquer is applied over the entirecontainer so that. the joints between sections are no longer visible.

The attachment of the filler cap'fitting. I5 to the end section II isshown in Fig. 76,1anddetails of the fitting are illustratedin Figs. 7.to 11, in-

clusive. It will be apparent that this fitting will be applied beforethe sections are assembled. The

I 0 I correspondinglyfitting comprises a tube 25 having external threads25 and a flange portion 21, The tube is passed outwardly through anopening in the wall of the section II, the flange 21 fitting snuglyagainst the interior of the wall. The flange 21 may either be integralwith tube 25 or may be secured thereto by brazing'or welding at 28. Thethreaded portion of the tube extends through the wall of the section IIto the exterior thereof and a washer 29 of metal or other material maybe fitted over the tube in contact with the outer surface of the shell Alock-nut 3!) is then screwed over the threaded portion 25 of the tube,thus holding the fitting tightly in place. Any suitable cap 3| may beemployed, being preferably provided with an internal pressure ring 32 ofcork, composition, or other compressible material having acidproof andgasoline-proof qualities.

Other fittings which are necessary or desirable to adapt the containerfor use as a fuel tank for airplanes may be applied to the shell eitherbefore or after assembly.

In Figs. 17 to 19 a modification of the invention is shown wherein acontainer is adapted for use as an oil or grease tank or drum.

The tank generally represented by the reference character B is shown asof generally cylindrical form and may be made to contain any desiredquantity of oil or grease, as for example from fifteen to fifty gallons.The completed tank is strong and rigid and will withstand rough usage.It is relatively inexpensive in construction, and being light in weightis adapted for use with airplanes or any other purpose. As shown thetank comprises a cylindrical body portion 50 which may correspond withthe central shell I!) of the gasoline tank A shown in Fig. 1, beingpreferably similarly formed of paper laminations adhesively securedtogether and impregnated with liquid-proofing material which is alsopreferably fireproof. To the cylindrical body portion50 are secured atop portion 5| and a bottom portion 52, each being preferably formed ofwood or the like material. The body portion is provided with circulargrooves 53, 53 at opposite ends thereof adapted to receive connectingrings 54 and 54 which may be similar to the flexible connecting ringsI!) described in the first embodiment of the invention. The end members5| and 52 are similarly provided with circular grooves 55 and 56respectively. When the parts are assembled by use of the connectingrings and suitable end pressure is applied so that all air is forced outof the grooves 53, 55 and 56, a fluid-tight connection is insured. Therings 54, 54' will be tightly gripped by the walls of the grooves whichhave been forced slightly apart owing to the somewhat larger size of theconnecting ring. Even where no adhesive is employed a substantiallyone-piece construction is obtained, and where, in addition, a strongadhesive is likewise employed, it becomes impossible to separate thesections after the adhesive has set. When completed the entire drum ispreferably coated with a suitable lacquer or other coating providing asmooth exterior and completely filling all joints.

Preferably the end members 5| and 52 are provided with internallyprojecting flanges 51 and 58, which qualities of the joint. The bottommember 52 may be recessed externally as at 62.

If desired the end members 5| and 52 may be likewise serve to increasethe sealing provided with external flanges 59 and 60, which serve toraise the drum from the floor when the drum is overturned either forstorage or transportation purposes. In such case the center portion 50is raised slightly from the floor, thus facilitating the rolling of thedrum and likewise preventing contact of the central portion with thefloor or other surface.

The top 5| is shown as provided with a filler cap C which fits into arecessed opening 1| in the top of the drum. The diameter of the cap 2 ispreferably about one-third that of the drum. In construction the fillercap may be similar to the gasoline filler I5 shown in the firstembodiment of the invention, although of much larger size. As shown thecap includes a tubular member 15 having an internal flange 16 eitherintegral therewith or secured thereto. The tubular member is threaded at11, the threaded portion extending into a recessed portion in the top ofthe cap. The purpose of this recess is to permit application of a lockring 18 which is screwed down over the threads I1 and serves tohold thefitting in place. A suitable closure cap 19 fits over the projectingthreaded portion of the tubular member, such cap being preferablyprovided with a compressible ring of cork, composition, or otheracid-proof and gasoline-proof material.

Two specific applications of the invention have been described in detailbut it will be obvious that broad features of the invention areapplicable to numerous other purposes. Among the distinctive features ofthe invention are the central shell of paper or the like recessed at itsends and connected to end sections by flexible expansible rings ofmetal, plastic, or other suitable material.

The invention has been described in. detail for the purpose ofillustration but it will be obvious that numerous modifications andvariations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

I claim:

A tank having a tapered shell member of circular cross section formed ofimpregnated paper material, a rounded end cap fitting the reduced end ofthe tapered section, said cap and tapered shell member havingcomplementary grooves formed in the ends thereof, an expansible sealingring snugly fitting in said grooves, and an internal reinforcing plugfitting within the end of the shell having a curved flange portioncoacting with the interior of the shell, and having a projecting portioncoacting with the end cap, said plug and. cap having complementary endgrooves, and an expansible sealing ring fitting in said grooves.

JOSEPH P. STEIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,206,406 Koch July 2, 19402,320,764 Ullrich June 1, 1943 2,309,341 Canden Jan. 26, 1943 1,682,179Krembs Aug. 28, 1928 2,350,271 Bralofi May 30, 1944 1,995,703 Clark Mar.26, 1935 2,230,987 Karl Feb. 4, 1941 1,355,976 I-Iowlett Oct. 19, 1920

